Team representatives are extremely valuable resources to their teams and to the league. The role of theteam representatives depend upon the team skill-level, age of the team, and the general commitment of the team. They organize team registration, make sure that enough players will show up for games, organize practices, keep track of team equipment, and address problems and complaints. Each team is expected to have two team representatives.

WAWSL wants to ensure that everyone has the best possible experience in the league, so we're offering some general guidelines for the team representatives. We hope this information is helpful in your role.

General Advice for Team Representatives

Team Rep Duties

Each team should have 2 team reps. One team representative cannot handle all the aspects of running a team. If a team rep is busy at work one week or on vacation, the other team reps can pick up the slack.

Player Registrations

It is the responsibility of the team reps to make sure all players register to play each season. Registration is done online and each player is required to register before an established deadline. Team rosters will be available to team reps and they should follow up with players who have not registered. A player may not play on a team with out registering or a team faces a forfeiture of the game an unregistered player plays in, regardless of the game’s outcome.

Committing to Play

Most players are going to miss games during the course of the season. If a player asks about paying less because they know they will miss many games, the player might consider skipping the season or playing as a substitute. Each team is limited to four substitutes and team reps are responsible for monitoring this option.

Team Bonding

The team that parties together stays together. Many teams plan Happy Hours and Fan Appreciation Days – these help to make your team stronger. Attending WAWSL-sponsored events and happy hours are a great way to party together without having to do the planning.

Finding New Players

For existing teams, if you’re looking to add skilled players to your roster, it’s best to network for better players. If players need to take a break for a season it’s a good idea to keep their contact information to see if they can play in a future season.

Getting Players from WAWSL

If your team is short-handed, you may request players from WAWSL. Prior to each season, WAWSL will hold new player practices which are advertised on the WAWSL website as well as local community websites. Players are then assigned to teams based on requests from teams. The earlier you put in a request, the better. It is important to do outside recruiting for players because teams are not guaranteed players. However, WAWSL will try to accommodate team requests.

Getting Goalkeepers from WAWSL

Most teams request a goalie from WAWSL's New Player Coordinators every season. However, WAWSL receives a New Player Form from one to three keepers per year at most. In a typical season, it is likely we'll have no goalies available. Always assume you will need to do your own searching for a permanent keeper. Post ads on the WAWSL Exchange, Craigslist, in local papers, even post flyers at local fitness clubs. The more places you ask, the likelier you are to find someone.

Avoiding Short-Handed Games

Many teams send out weekly e-mails or use Evite.com for game attendance, so that team reps can track players and follow up with any players who aren't responding. There are many online methods to keep track of your players and their availability (TeamSnap.com; RosterSpots.com; MyTeamCaptain.com; OrangeSlices.com). Use whatever works best for your team.

Uniforms (New Teams)

If you’re a new team, you will probably want to get inexpensive t-shirts for uniforms. Get 30 t-shirts for around $12 per shirt – you will find that the t-shirts tend to vanish quickly, as players leave the team and never return. By the end of the second season, your 30 t-shirts will dwindle down to 18. Trust us!

Uniforms (Older Teams)

Teams that have been around for a year usually get jerseys. Expect to pay $30 per jersey, and be sure to get a few extras “just in case”. If a player leaves the team – get the jersey back if you can. You should make it clear that the jersey belongs to the team – not the player. Some teams send dirty jerseys home with one player each week to have them washed and then brought to the next game. This is a great way to keep track of the jerseys and keep them in good shape.

Numbers on Jerseys

All players must have a numbered jersey. Referees may refuse to allow players without numbered jerseys onto the field. In the case of a color conflict, an alternate jersey can be worn and does not need to have a number. This is only in the case of a color conflict.

Emergency Contact Plan

Make sure you have a clear plan to spread the word about rainouts or emergency re-schedules. Games may be moved to another field or changed to a different time with little notice, despite everyone’s best intentions. If your players show up for a cancelled game on a rainy, cold day – you’ll hear the complaints.

Phone & Email Contact Information

Each season it is a good idea to get updated contact information for each player so you know the best way to get a hold of players quickly. If your team uses e-mail, and you’re sending an important message, make sure that people send you a reply, to confirm that they received your e-mail.

Dismissing a Coach

Ultimately, the team reps are the guardians of the team’s interests. Thus, if the team wants to get rid of their coach, the team reps should handle this difficult task.

Handling Complaints from Your Players

Take a deep breath, count to ten, listen and then respond calmly. Know the WAWSL Constitution and FIFA's Laws of the Game: you can rely on these to resolve most game-related complaints. If you need help with recurring complaints or other conflict resolution, contact your Division Director.